A Never Ending Story

Returning home was hard, as you may can imagine. It wasn’t so much the airport, yes it was hard, but what was harder, was the month before my departure. I’ve made several close relationships with some of the exchange students, and in general, got ‘many’ friends out of the exchange students from my area. 

We got to May, where a majority left the USA to go home, and therefore I went to the airport quite many times to say goodbye. It’s possible I cried more that month than I’ve done for an entire year. “It’s not the goodbye that is hard, but the flashbacks that follow.” - a quote I can’t relate more to. When I said goodbye in the airport to my friends I didn’t cry because it was over, but because of all the memories that got to my head, when I hugged them tight and knew we never would get the moments back nor the year. 

It’s possible that you think “Is it even worth it to go abroad, if it’s that hard to end the year?” and yes it’s all worth it, definitely. I’m aware of I never will get back what I experienced during my exchange year, but I am now a family richer and have been blessed with friends, who not only live in the USA but all over the world. When possible I’ll visit my friends, and travel back to my second home, I’m not sure when, but one day it’ll be.

It’s all worth it, definitely. I’m aware of I never will get back what I experienced during my exchange year, but I am now a family richer and have been blessed with friends, who not only live in the USA but all over the world.

Fifty-seven days ago I left the US to go back to Denmark. I prepared myself for the worst: sleepless nights, tons of crying, reculture shock, etc., and what’s crazy is, that none of the things listed have been a reality for me, which I am more than grateful for, ‘cause none of it, is fun to experience, but sure is possible. I will say, that I now and then, I get hit with a strong urge to go back in time and to be there with my host family, friends and people in general, I met along the way during the year. Pictures, Facetime and texting will have to do it, for now at least. 

Being an exchange student is crazy, complicated and beautiful, there are no such things as it. We always say there’s an ending to everything, but this is not the end. I may not physically be in the states, but my heart will always be there, no matter how many years pass by. I realized that my year in America is not over, it just started, and I never plan on it to end. I will be back one day, but for now, a piece of my heart will take my place. 

I realized that my year in America is not over, it just started, and I never plan on it to end. I will be back one day, but for now, a piece of my heart will take my place.

It’s been a pleasure to write updates for you. Thank you for everything. 

Love Frida.